By Mark Vester

WBO super featherweight champion Roman "Rocky" Martinez (23-0, 14KOs) started the second phase of his training camp by taking part in some hard sparring for his second title defense against Ricky Burns (27-2, 7KOs) on March 6 in Puerto Rico. Burns is tall for the weight at 5'10. Martinez will take no chances in the fight.

Martinez is working on his power punching in the gym. He wants to end more fight before they go to the scorecards. Martinez plans to make three or four more defenses before a move to the lightweight division to hunt for the big bucks.

"I have to change a few things. He's a tall guy. I already have the right sparring partners," said Martinez to Primera Hora. "I have been working to get some more defense and explosiveness to finish my opponents earlier and take fewer punches.

"I hope this is my year. I want three or four more defenses and then move up to 135 pounds. It's not about my body, it is about the money. To me, boxing is no longer a passion, but a business."

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